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Lafferty scores his second goal in five minutes to put Northern Ireland on their way to victory over Finland on SundayCharles McQuillan / Getty Images

Tony Barrett

Published at 12:01AM, March 31 2015

Kyle Lafferty has described Michael O’Neill, the brains behind Northern Ireland’s increasingly impressive bid to qualify for Euro 2016, as the best manager he has played for.

Lafferty, who is on loan at Rizespor, of Turkey, from Norwich City, scored both goals in the 2-1 win over Finland in Belfast on Sunday. This was their fourth victory in five qualifying games, taking them within a point of Romania, the group F leaders, and four points clear of third-placed Hungary.

O’Neill’s influence has been profound, according to Lafferty, who has scored five goals in as many qualifying games. “Michael inspires me